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Equine Vet Clinic Design: How to Provide a Safe & Effective Work Environment for Horses

Updated: Sep 28

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting countless veterinary clinics—across the United States and around the world. One consistent issue I see, regardless of the clinic's size, age, or budget, is poor design when it comes to performing equine dentistry. Even the fanciest, most expensive facilities often overlook key factors that directly affect the safety, efficiency, and comfort of both the horse and the practitioner.

Let’s walk through what truly matters when designing a space for equine dental work, based on firsthand experience and practical improvements we've implemented in our own clinic.


The #1 Design Flaw: Poor Flow and Dead-End Stocks

A surprisingly common mistake in clinic design is placing stocks so they dead-end into a wall. This might seem logical from a space-saving perspective, but it’s problematic on multiple levels.

Horses are prey animals. They naturally dislike walking into confined spaces with no exit—especially ones that end in a wall. Forcing a horse into this kind of environment adds unnecessary stress and resistance before any procedure even begins.

Safety is another major concern. Even sedated horses are large, powerful, and can be unpredictable. Putting the handler or vet between a horse and a wall increases the risk of injury.

Instead, stocks should be positioned in a way that allows the horse to move through an open space, with clear sightlines to the outdoors or other horses. This alone can reduce anxiety and improve cooperation.


Head Support Matters—More Than You Think

Another overlooked detail is the head support system. Most stocks are fitted with a short bar where the horse’s head is secured. The problem? No horse has a 6-inch neck.

For proper positioning and comfort, you need a bar that extends at least 4 to 5 feet. This gives you the flexibility to suspend the horse’s head in various angles without kinking or straining the neck. It makes the procedure easier on the horse and more effective for the practitioner.

The good news: this is a simple, inexpensive fix. A longer bar—square, cylindrical, or otherwise—can be added without much effort and can completely transform the quality of dental care you're able to provide.


Spacious, Functional Work Areas

In our clinic, we’ve designed a wide entryway so horses can come in comfortably and see out through large doors. They’re not walking into a dark, closed box—they’re walking into a bright, open space. We’ve also left plenty of room around the stocks so we’re never backed up against a wall.

There’s ample space for equipment like endoscopic machines, dental units, and monitors. For us, having multiple screens placed around the room allows different staff members to see what's going on from different angles without crowding each other. Not every clinic needs this level of tech—but thoughtful layout benefits everyone.


Accommodating Miniature Horses

We also treat a lot of miniature horses, which present their own challenges. Rather than struggling to work on them at ground level, we built a simple ramp that slides right into the stocks. This elevates the minis to a comfortable working height, improving ergonomics for the staff and safety for the animal. Again, this isn’t an expensive upgrade—it’s just practical.


Drainage & Cleanliness

It’s a small detail that makes a big difference: we have a drain right in front and under the stocks. Whether rinsing a horse’s mouth or dealing with any fluids, everything flows into the drain, keeping the area clean and reducing the risk of slipping or contamination.


It’s All in the Details

People often obsess over big-ticket items—machines, tools, fancy designs. But the real difference in a high-functioning equine dental clinic is in the small, thoughtful details:

  • Safe, open access for horses

  • Adequate head support

  • Enough space for equipment and staff

  • Clean, functional layout

  • Flexibility for different-sized patients

None of these improvements need to be expensive. They just need to be intentional.


Final Thoughts

Equine dental work demands more than just technical skill—it requires a well-designed space that respects the horse and supports the people working with them. A few key design decisions can dramatically improve outcomes, reduce stress, and enhance the overall experience for everyone involved.


If you’re building or remodeling a clinic—or just want to improve your current setup—these principles can guide you toward a more efficient, horse-centered environment.

Have questions or want to talk more about clinic design for equine dentistry? Feel free to reach out to us by phone or email. We’re happy to share what we’ve learned.



Want to Learn More?

If you're a veterinary professional interested in expanding your knowledge in equine dentistry, we offer training courses on equilibration, diagnosis, endoscopic assessment, and more. You can always contact us at mooredvmeducation@gmail.com or call the office at 512-508-8141.



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Ready to elevate your equine dentistry skills?

If you are a veterinarian and want to learn advanced equine dentistry, Moore Equine offers a unique approach rooted in years of integrated clinical and teaching experience worldwide. By collaborating with some of the most progressive and open-minded veterinarians and technicians, we've gathered valuable insights from leading practitioners in the field. Our clinically-based modules are designed to equip veterinarians with state-of-the-art knowledge and skills. We prioritize hands-on learning by working on live horses in small groups, as we believe this is one of the most effective ways for clinicians to refine their techniques. Our internationally renowned instructors bring extensive experience from high-volume practices, ensuring that we not only explain concepts but also demonstrate everything we teach directly on live clinical cases.

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